Noosa residents can help ensure local turtle hatchlings have a fighting chance of survival as they make their way from the dunes to the ocean during February.
“It’s easy to get involved in helping a threatened species – join us in taking part in the Clean-Up For Hatchlings beach clean-up morning on 4 February,” Mayor Clare Stewart said.
This is Noosa Council’s first year taking part in the annual event, run by Sunshine Coast Council in partnership with TurtleCare Sunshine Coast, Reef Check Australia, Unitywater and SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium.
“It’s a long running and successful event – now in its ninth year – and we’re thrilled to become part of it,” Mayor Stewart said.
“It’s an incredibly important cause. Ensuring the beach is free of litter helps to give turtle hatchlings a clear passage as they make their way from the dunes to the water after hatching during February.
“By taking part, volunteers are helping to ensure the little hatchlings have the best possible chance of survival,” Cr Stewart added.
The dunes near Beach Access 50 at Peregian Beach – a known turtle nesting area – will be this year’s Noosa clean-up site (northern end of Peregian Esplanade, opposite Lowry Street).
Volunteers can register now, via Eventbrite, to take part in the clean-up at the Noosa site between 6am and 7.30am on 4 February.
Noosa Council Environment Officer, Melissa Coyle, said participants should bring gloves, as well as enclosed footwear, and sun protection.
“The event will be single-use plastic-free, so be sure to bring a reusable water bottle or coffee cup,” Ms Coyle said.
Noosa volunteers are invited to join the combined Clean-Up For Turtle Hatchlings celebrations at Coopers Lookout Park, south of the Kawana Surf Club, from 8am.
“There will be a free barbecue breakfast, a prize draw and other fun activities, plus an opportunity to weigh and sort the collected debris,” Ms Coyle said.
Register at Eventbrite.com. Search ‘Clean-Up For Hatchlings – Peregian Beach’.
